President-elect Donald Trump is considering selecting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as his pick for defense secretary, according to sources familiar with the transition. The potential decision would come as a response to the controversy surrounding Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement at veterans’ charities, repeated intoxication, and infidelity.
The news of DeSantis being considered for the position came after Trump and DeSantis attended a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers in Florida. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the story, indicating that the Trump administration may be looking for a replacement for Hegseth in the defense secretary role.
When reached for comment, a spokesperson for DeSantis had no statement, while a spokesperson for Trump declined to confirm whether DeSantis was under consideration for the position. The potential consideration of DeSantis comes at a time when Hegseth is facing scrutiny and pushback from Senate Republicans regarding his nomination.
Reports suggest that at least four Republican senators would likely withhold support for Hegseth if a vote were held today. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed concern about the allegations against Hegseth, stating that some of the articles are disturbing and that Hegseth would have the opportunity to defend himself. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana also acknowledged the allegations against Hegseth and emphasized the importance of addressing them.
The controversy surrounding Hegseth intensified after a report by The New Yorker revealed that before joining Fox News, Hegseth had to step down from two nonprofit advocacy groups due to complaints about his behavior. Allegations included being intoxicated while on the job, creating a hostile work environment, and mismanaging the charities’ funds. Marine veteran Jessie Jane Duff was among those who advocated for Hegseth’s removal from Concerned Veterans for America in 2016.
Despite the allegations, a lawyer for Hegseth has denied the accusations. DeSantis, on the other hand, has a background in the military, having served as a JAG officer in the U.S. Navy while attending Harvard Law School. He also received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.
DeSantis previously ran for the Republican presidential nomination against Trump but dropped out of the race in January after disappointing showings in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries. He later endorsed Trump and had a private meeting with him at a golf club in Florida in April. Donors and advisers to both DeSantis and Trump have been advocating for a reconciliation between the two, believing it to be in the best interests of the Republican Party.
The potential selection of DeSantis as defense secretary would mark a significant shift in the Trump administration’s approach to national security and defense policy. It remains to be seen whether Trump will officially nominate DeSantis for the position and how the Senate would respond to such a nomination.
In conclusion, the possible consideration of Ron DeSantis as defense secretary in place of Pete Hegseth reflects the ongoing turmoil and controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s appointments. The decision could have implications for the administration’s national security and defense priorities, as well as for the Republican Party as a whole. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the future of the Trump administration.
